WO2024102553A1 - Distributeur de pâte dentifrice - Google Patents

Distributeur de pâte dentifrice Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO2024102553A1
WO2024102553A1 PCT/US2023/076564 US2023076564W WO2024102553A1 WO 2024102553 A1 WO2024102553 A1 WO 2024102553A1 US 2023076564 W US2023076564 W US 2023076564W WO 2024102553 A1 WO2024102553 A1 WO 2024102553A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
toothpaste
dispensing
barrier member
barrier
cavity
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US2023/076564
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Baran TEOMAN
Jakub Alexander KONKOL
Long Pan
Dawn WELLS-MACAPIA
Andrei Potanin
Original Assignee
Colgate-Palmolive Company
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Colgate-Palmolive Company filed Critical Colgate-Palmolive Company
Publication of WO2024102553A1 publication Critical patent/WO2024102553A1/fr

Links

Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D35/00—Pliable tubular containers adapted to be permanently or temporarily deformed to expel contents, e.g. collapsible tubes for toothpaste or other plastic or semi-liquid material; Holders therefor
    • B65D35/22—Pliable tubular containers adapted to be permanently or temporarily deformed to expel contents, e.g. collapsible tubes for toothpaste or other plastic or semi-liquid material; Holders therefor with two or more compartments
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D35/00—Pliable tubular containers adapted to be permanently or temporarily deformed to expel contents, e.g. collapsible tubes for toothpaste or other plastic or semi-liquid material; Holders therefor
    • B65D35/02—Body construction
    • B65D35/12—Connections between body and closure-receiving bush
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D35/00—Pliable tubular containers adapted to be permanently or temporarily deformed to expel contents, e.g. collapsible tubes for toothpaste or other plastic or semi-liquid material; Holders therefor
    • B65D35/24—Pliable tubular containers adapted to be permanently or temporarily deformed to expel contents, e.g. collapsible tubes for toothpaste or other plastic or semi-liquid material; Holders therefor with auxiliary devices
    • B65D35/36—Pliable tubular containers adapted to be permanently or temporarily deformed to expel contents, e.g. collapsible tubes for toothpaste or other plastic or semi-liquid material; Holders therefor with auxiliary devices for applying contents to surfaces
    • B65D35/38—Nozzles
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D35/00—Pliable tubular containers adapted to be permanently or temporarily deformed to expel contents, e.g. collapsible tubes for toothpaste or other plastic or semi-liquid material; Holders therefor
    • B65D35/44—Closures
    • B65D35/46—Closures with valves
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D47/00—Closures with filling and discharging, or with discharging, devices
    • B65D47/04—Closures with discharging devices other than pumps
    • B65D47/20—Closures with discharging devices other than pumps comprising hand-operated members for controlling discharge
    • B65D47/26—Closures with discharging devices other than pumps comprising hand-operated members for controlling discharge with slide valves, i.e. valves that open and close a passageway by sliding over a port, e.g. formed with slidable spouts
    • B65D47/28—Closures with discharging devices other than pumps comprising hand-operated members for controlling discharge with slide valves, i.e. valves that open and close a passageway by sliding over a port, e.g. formed with slidable spouts having linear movement

Definitions

  • the present invention may be directed a toothpaste dispenser comprising which includes a body housing first and second inserts containing first and second toothpastes, respectively and a cap member that is detachably coupled to the body.
  • the cap member may have first and second channels that are configured to be aligned with the first and second toothpastes in the body, respectively.
  • First and second barrier members may be adjustable between open and closed positions to selectively permit and prevent dispensing of the first and second toothpastes from the body.
  • the dispenser may include an actuation assembly configured to selectively move the first and second barrier members between the closed and open positions independently of one another.
  • the invention may be a toothpaste dispenser comprising: a body comprising a first cavity terminating in a first opening at a top end of the body and a second cavity terminating in a second opening at the top end of the body; a first insert containing a first toothpaste and being removably disposed within the first cavity of the body and a second insert containing a second toothpaste and being removably disposed within the second cavity of the body; a cap member detachably coupled to the body, the cap member comprising a first channel that is aligned with the first opening of the body, a second channel that is aligned with the second opening of the body, and at least one dispensing outlet; a first barrier member movable between: (1) a closed position whereby the first barrier member prevents the first toothpaste from flowing to the at least one dispensing outlet; and (2) an open position whereby the first barrier member does not prevent the first toothpaste from flowing to the at least one dispensing outlet; a second barrier member movable between: (1)
  • the invention may be a toothpaste dispenser comprising: a body comprising a first cavity terminating in a first opening at a top end of the body and a second cavity terminating in a second opening at the top end of the body; a first insert containing a first toothpaste and being removably disposed within the first cavity of the body and a second insert containing a second toothpaste and being removably disposed within the second cavity of the body; a cap member detachably coupled to the body, the cap member comprising a first channel that is aligned with the first opening of the body, a second channel that is aligned with the second opening of the body, and a dispensing outlet that is fluidly coupled to each of the first and second channels; and a dispensing assembly configured to permit only one of the first and second toothpastes to be dispensed from the dispensing outlet while preventing the other one of the first and second toothpastes from being dispensed from the dispensing outlet during a dispensing operation.
  • the invention may be toothpaste dispenser comprising: a body comprising a first cavity that terminates in a first opening in a top end of the body and a second cavity that terminates in a second opening in the top end of the body; a first insert containing a first toothpaste and a second insert containing a second toothpaste, the first insert being located within the first cavity of the body and the second insert being located within the second cavity of the body; a cap member detachably coupled to the body, the cap member comprising a dispensing passageway extending from an inlet to an outlet; and wherein the cap member is rotatable relative to the body to align the inlet of the dispensing passageway with one of the first and second openings in the top end of the body to enable dispensing of one of the first and second toothpastes from the outlet of the dispensing passageway while preventing the other one of the first and second toothpastes from being dispensed during a dispensing operation.
  • FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a toothpaste dispenser in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention
  • FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the toothpaste dispenser of FIG. 1 ; room FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line III-III of FIG. 1;
  • FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional area taken along line IV-IV of FIG. 2;
  • FIG. 5 is a bottom perspective view of a cap member of the toothpaste dispenser of FIG. 1;
  • FIG. 6 is an illustration depicting a user actuating an actuation assembly of the toothpaste dispenser of FIG. 1;
  • FIG. 7 is a close-up view of area VII of FIG. 5 with a lid removed;
  • FIG. 8 is an illustration depicting a user dispensing a toothpaste from the toothpaste dispenser of FIG. 1 onto bristles of a toothbrush;
  • FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a toothpaste dispenser in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the toothpaste dispenser of FIG. 9 with a cap member thereof having been rotated relative to a body thereof.
  • the toothpaste dispenser 1000 generally comprises a body
  • the body 100 and the cap member 300, and perhaps also the lid 400, may collectively be referred to as a toothpaste container, and in one embodiment a toothpaste tube.
  • the inserts 210, 220, 230 are positioned within separate cavities formed into the body 100 and the cap member 300 is coupled to the body 100.
  • the lid 400 may then be positioned over the cap member 300 to close the dispensing aperture thereof.
  • the user may then independently select from a plurality of different toothpastes (one contained in each of the inserts 210, 220, 230) for dispensing and use during a toothbrushing session.
  • the body 100 may comprise a bottom end 101, a top end 102, and an outer surface 103.
  • the body 100 may be elongated in a direction between the bottom end top ends 101, 102 and may comprise a longitudinal axis A-A that intersects the bottom and top ends
  • the body 100 may further comprise a plurality of cavities 110, 120, 130.
  • the plurality of cavities 110, 120, 130 may comprise a first cavity 110, a second cavity 120, and a third cavity 130.
  • the invention is not to be so limited in all embodiments and the plurality of cavities may comprise two cavities or more than three cavities in alternative embodiments.
  • the first cavity 110 may comprise a first cavity floor 111 and a first opening 112 located on the top end 102 of the body 100.
  • the second cavity 120 may comprise a second cavity floor 121 and a second opening 122 located on the top end 102 of the body 100.
  • the third cavity 130 may comprise a third cavity floor (not shown in the provided drawings) and a third opening 132 located on the top end 102 of the body 100.
  • Each of the first, second, and third cavities 110, 120, 130 may be elongated in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis A- A from the respective floor
  • the exact height (measured from the floor to the opening) of the various cavities is not to be limiting of the invention in all embodiments.
  • the length or height of the first, second, and third cavities 110, 120, 130 may be just slightly smaller (i.e., 5% less or 10% less, for example) than the height or length of the body 100.
  • the first, second, and third cavities 110, 120. 130 may be distinct from one another such that the first, second, and third cavities 110, 120, 130 may not be fluidly coupled together along the entirety of their lengths. That is, the first, second, and third cavities 110, 120, 130 may be fluidly isolated from one another from their floors 111, 121 to their openings 112, 122, 132. Any material held in any one of the cavities 110, 120, 130 may be unable to mix with the material in any of the other ones of the cavities 110, 120, 130 at least until such material is expelled or dispensed through the top opening
  • the first, second, and third cavities 110, 120, 130 may have the same cross-sectional shape and area, or the cross-sectional shape and/or area may differ among and between the first, second, and/or third cavities 110, 120, 130.
  • the first, second, and third openings 112, 122, 132 in the top end 102 of the body 100 may have the same shape and size or different shapes and/or sizes.
  • the first, second, and third openings 112, 122, 132 in the top end 102 of the body 100 may be distinct openings that are spaced apart from one another.
  • the first, second, and third cavities 110, 120, 130 may be separated from one another by walls 105 formed from the material of the body 100.
  • the body 100 may be formed from a material which is capable of being squeezed or compressed.
  • the body 100 may be formed from a rubber, silicone, or foam material.
  • the body 100 may be formed from sheets of plastic laminate, such as that which is used for forming conventional toothpaste tubes.
  • the body 100 may be formed from a compressible material such that squeezing and/or compressing the body 100 may result in liquid or pasty (i.c., pastc-likc) or gel or viscous or other materials located within one of the first, second, and/or third cavities 110, 120, 130 being expelled from the body 100.
  • the toothpaste may be dispensed from the body 100 during a dispensing operation whereby the user squeezes the body 100.
  • the dispenser 1000 may include one or more pumps configured to operate for dispensing of the toothpastes.
  • the body 100 may comprise a first connection feature 106 that is configured to facilitate detachably coupling the cap member 300 to the body 100.
  • the first connection feature 106 may be located at the top end 102 of the body 100.
  • the first connection feature 106 comprises a protuberance having a spherical shape which protrudes from the top end 102 of the body 100.
  • the first connection feature 106 is illustrated as being located on the top end 102 of the body 100 at a central location which is intersected by the longitudinal axis A-A.
  • the invention is not to be so limited and the first connection feature 106 may take on other forms, shapes, and the like.
  • the first connection feature 106 may also be located at other positions along the body 100, including along the periphery adjacent to the top end 102.
  • the first connection feature 106 may comprise multiple protrusions located on the top end 102 or elsewhere.
  • the first connection feature may comprise threads which are configured to mate with threads of the cap member 300 to facilitate detachably coupling the cap member 300 to the body 100.
  • the first connection feature may be a snap-fit element like an annular ridge or the like that mates with a similar feature on the cap member 300 to facilitate detachably coupling the cap member 300 to the body 100.
  • the plurality of inserts 210, 220, 230 comprises a first insert 210, a second insert 220, and a third insert 230. In alternative embodiments, there may be just two of the inserts or more than three of the inserts.
  • Each of the inserts 210, 220, 230 may be configured to be inserted into one of the cavities 110, 120, 130.
  • the first insert 210 may be positioned within the first cavity 110
  • the second insert 220 may be positioned within the second cavity 120
  • the third insert 230 may be positioned within the third cavity 130.
  • the number of inserts 210, 220, 230 may match the number of cavities 110, 120, 130 in the body 100.
  • each of the inserts 210, 220, 230 may he removably positioned within one of the cavities 110, 120, 130 to allow for replacement when the contents of the inserts 210,
  • the first insert 210 may comprise a first package 211 defining an interior space 215 and a first toothpaste 212 contained within the interior space 215 defined by the first package 211.
  • the first package 211 may have a closed bottom end 213 and an open top end 214.
  • the first package 211 may be a flexible packaging material such that upon a user squeezing the body 100 while the first package 211 is located in the first cavity 110, the first toothpaste 212 may be expelled from the interior space 215 via the open top end 214 of the first package 211.
  • the first package 211 may be formed from a flexible or compressible plastic, rubber, foam, flexible packaging films like stretch wrap, pallet wrap, and stretch film, or other desired material so that it compresses or flexes when squeezed as described herein. Since a squeezing action is used to dispense the toothpastes similar to how a conventional toothpaste tube works, it is preferable that the first package 211 be compressible to achieve this end.
  • the open top end 214 of the first package 211 Prior to first use, may be closed by a membrane that extends across the open top end 214 and can be removed by a user. Such a membrane may be formed from foil, foam, plastic, or the like.
  • the open top end 214 may alternatively be closed by a removable lid or cap.
  • the second insert 220 may comprise a second package 221 defining an interior space 225 and a second toothpaste 222 contained within the interior space 225 defined by the second package
  • the second package 221 may have a closed bottom end 223 and an open top end 224.
  • the second package 221 may be a flexible packaging material such that upon a user squeezing the body 100 while the second package 221 is located in the second cavity 120, the second toothpaste 222 may be expelled from the interior space 225 via the open top end 224 of the second package 221.
  • the second package 221 may be formed from a flexible or compressible plastic, rubber, foam, flexible packaging films like stretch wrap, pallet wrap, and stretch film, or other desired material so that it compresses or flexes when squeezed as described herein.
  • the first package 221 be compressible to achieve this end.
  • the open top end 224 of the second package 221 may be closed by a membrane that extends across the open top end 224 and can be removed by a user.
  • a membrane may be formed from foil, foam, plastic, or the like.
  • the open top end 224 may alternatively be closed by a removable lid or cap.
  • the third insert 230 may comprise a third package 231 defining an interior space 235 and a third toothpaste 232 contained within the interior space 235 defined by the third package 231.
  • the third package 231 may have a closed bottom end 233 and an open top end 234.
  • the third package 231 may be a flexible packaging material such that upon a user squeezing the body 100 while the third package 231 is located in the third cavity 130, the third toothpaste 232 may be expelled from the interior space 235 via the open top end 234 of the third package 231.
  • the third package 231 may be formed from a flexible or compressible plastic, rubber, foam, flexible packaging films like stretch wrap, pallet wrap, and stretch film, or other desired material so that it compresses or flexes when squeezed as described herein.
  • the third package 231 be compressible to achieve this end.
  • the open top end 234 of the third package 231 may be closed by a membrane that extends across the open top end 234 and can be removed by a user.
  • a membrane may be formed from foil, foam, plastic, or the like.
  • the open top end 234 may alternatively be closed by a removable lid or cap.
  • Each of the first, second, and third inserts 210, 220, 230 may be disposable and replaceable.
  • the user may remove the package 211, 221, 231 associated with the emptied insert 210, 220, 230 from the body 100 and replace it with a new insert.
  • the user may detach the cap member 300 from the body 100 and then remove the first package 211 from the first cavity 110 and insert a new “first package” into the first cavity 110.
  • the new “first package” may contain the same toothpaste as the one being replaced or it may contain a new, different toothpaste, depending on user preference and need.
  • a user may also replace any of the inserts 210. 220, 230 even prior to their contents being depleted. For example, if after some uses the user determines that the first insert 210 is not providing a desired benefit (for example, has a flavor the user does not enjoy, is not whitening the teeth as the user believed it would, etc.), then the user may remove the first insert 210 from the first cavity 110 and replace it with a new insert of their choosing. This allows for a plug-and-play type device whereby the user can determine which toothpaste or oral care agent they want in the body 100 and insert them accordingly.
  • the first, second, and third toothpastes 212, 222, 232 may differ from one another in at least one characteristic.
  • Such characteristics may include flavor, oral health benefit, oral care agent, color, or the like.
  • the first toothpaste 212 may comprise a first flavor (i.e., strawberry), the second toothpaste 222 may comprise a second flavor (i.e., mint), and the third toothpaste 232 may comprise a third flavor (i.e., watermelon).
  • the first toothpaste 212 may comprise fluoride, the second toothpaste 222 may comprise a whitening agent, and the third toothpaste 232 may comprise a sensitivity agent.
  • the first, second, and third toothpastes 212, 222, 232 may differ from one another on the basis of at least one, or possibly one or more, characteristics. The characteristics that may differ include, but are not necessarily limited to, the specific characteristics noted herein.
  • each of the inserts 210, 220, 230 contains a toothpaste 212, 222, 232
  • the invention is not to be so limited in all embodiments.
  • the inserts 210, 220, 230 may contain any composition or material which may be desirable or suited for a particular purpose.
  • the dispenser 1000 may be a cosmetics dispenser instead of a toothpaste dispenser.
  • each of the inserts 210, 220, 230 may contain a different cosmetic composition.
  • the dispenser 1000 may be a skin treatment dispenser, and each of the inserts 210, 220, 230 may contain a different skin treatment composition.
  • the dispenser 1000 may be an oral care agent dispenser, and each of the inserts 210, 220, 230 may contain a different oral care agent (which may be toothpaste or another agent including but not limited to a whitening agent, an anti-sensitivity agent, a breath freshening agent, or the like).
  • a different oral care agent which may be toothpaste or another agent including but not limited to a whitening agent, an anti-sensitivity agent, a breath freshening agent, or the like.
  • the dispenser 1000 may be used to dispense other materials for other purposes as determined by the end user.
  • each of the first, second, and third cavities 110, 120, 130 may have a different size and/or shape.
  • each of the first, second and third inserts 210, 220, 230 may also have a different size and/or shape so that each of the first, second, and third inserts 210, 220, 230 is specifically designed to fit into a particular one of the first, second, and third cavities 110, 120, 130.
  • the first, second, and third cavities 110, 120, 130 may have the same size and/or shape and the first, second, and third inserts 210, 220, 230 may be positioned in any one of the first, second, and third cavities 110, 120, 130.
  • the cap member 300 is configured to be detachably coupled to the body 100.
  • the cap member 300 may comprise a second connection feature 301 that is suited for mating or engagement or otherwise coupling to the first connection feature 106 of the body 100.
  • the second connection feature 301 may be a post with a female receiving cavity that is designed to receive the spherical body of the first connection feature 106.
  • the second connection feature 301 may comprise threads for engagement with threads on the body 100, snap-fit features, friction fit features, or the like.
  • the cap member 300 may be detachable from the body 100 in some embodiments for purposes of providing a user with access to the cavities 110, 120, 130 for purposes of replacing the inserts 210, 220, 230 as needed or desired.
  • the cap member 300 may comprise an outer surface 302 which is generally flush with the outer surface 103 of the body 100 when the cap member 300 is coupled to the body 100 and an inner surface 303 that is opposite the outer surface 302.
  • the inner surface 303 may define a cap cavity 304 having an open bottom end 305.
  • the cap member 300 may comprise a first channel
  • the first channel 310 may be defined by an inner surface of a first tube 311
  • the second channel 320 may be defined by an inner surface of a second tube 321
  • the third channel 330 may be defined by an inner surface of a third tube 331.
  • the first, second, and third tubes 311, 321, 331 may be round in some embodiments, although other shapes are possible in alternative embodiments.
  • the interior of the cap cavity 304 may be mostly filled in by material (plastic, foam, rubber, or the like) with only the channels 310, 320, 330 left as voids.
  • material plastic, foam, rubber, or the like
  • three of the channels 310, 320, 330 are depicted in the exemplified embodiment, the invention is not to be so limited in all embodiments and two channels or more than three channels may be used in other embodiments.
  • the number of channels may match or correspond to the number of cavities formed into the body 100.
  • the first tube 311 and the first channel 310 arc aligned with the first cavity 110 in the body 100
  • the second tube 321 and the second channel 320 are aligned with the second cavity 120 of the body 100
  • the third tube 331 and the third channel 330 are aligned with the third cavity 130 of the body 100. This allows the first toothpaste 212 to flow into the first channel 310, the second toothpaste 222 to flow into the second channel 320, and/or the third toothpaste 232 to flow into the third channel 330 when a user squeezes or compresses the body 100.
  • the first, second, and third tubes 311, 321, 331 terminate at a position that is flush with or recessed relative to the open bottom end 305 of the cap cavity 304.
  • the distal ends of the first, second, and third tubes 311, 321, 331 are located at, and perhaps abut against, the top end 102 of the body 100 when the cap member 300 is coupled to the body 100.
  • the invention is not to be so limited in all embodiments and the first, second, and third tubes 311, 321, 331 may protrude beyond the open bottom end 305 of the cap cavity 304 in other embodiments.
  • Such embodiments may permit distal portions of the first, second, and third tubes 311, 321, 331 to nest within the first, second, and third cavities 110, 120, 130 of the body 100 to facilitate an improved transfer/flow of the first, second, and third toothpastes 212, 222, 232 into the respective one of the first, second, and third channels 310, 320, 330.
  • the first channel 310 comprises an inlet 312 at or adjacent to the open bottom end 305 of the cap cavity 304 and an outlet 313 located adjacent to the dispensing passageway 340.
  • the inlet 312 of the first channel 310 may be aligned with the first cavity 110 of the body 100, and hence also with the first insert 210 located in the first cavity 110.
  • the first toothpaste 212 in the first cavity 110 of the body 100 may flow into the first channel 310 of the cap member 300 via the inlet 312 and then into the dispensing passageway 340 via the outlet 313.
  • the outlet 313 (or another portion of the first channel 310 located at the inlet 312 or located between the inlet 312 and the outlet 313) may be selectively opened and closed to permit and prohibit the first toothpaste 212 from flowing into the dispensing passageway 340. Further details about this opening and closing of a portion of the first channel 310 will be described in more detail below.
  • the second channel 320 comprises an inlet 322 at or adjacent to the open bottom end 305 of the cap cavity 304 and an outlet 323 located adjacent to the dispensing passageway 340.
  • the inlet 322 of the second channel 320 may be aligned with the second cavity 120 of the body 100, and hence also with the second insert 220 located in the second cavity 120.
  • the second toothpaste 222 in the second cavity 120 of the body 100 may flow into the second channel 320 of the cap member 300 via the inlet 322 and then into the dispensing passageway 340 via the outlet 323.
  • Continued squeezing of the body 100 may force the second toothpaste 222 to flow through the dispensing aperture 350 where it can be dispensed onto a toothbrush, a user’s hand, an applicator device, or the like as desired depending on the particular type of material being dispensed.
  • the outlet 323 (or another portion of the second channel 320 located at the inlet 322 or located between the inlet 322 and the outlet 323) may be selectively opened and closed to permit and prohibit the second toothpaste 222 from flowing into the dispensing passageway 340. Further details about this opening and closing of a portion of the second channel 320 will be described in more detail below.
  • the third channel 330 comprises an inlet 332 at or adjacent to the open bottom end 305 of the cap cavity 304 and an outlet (not visible in the provided figures, but understood to be identical to the outlets 313, 323 of the first and second channels 310, 320) located adjacent to the dispensing passageway 340.
  • the inlet 323 of the third channel 330 may be aligned with the third cavity 130 of the body 100, and hence also with the third insert 230 located in the third cavity 130.
  • the third toothpaste 232 in the third cavity 130 of the body 100 may flow into the third channel 330 of the cap member 300 via the inlet 332 and then into the dispensing passageway 340 via the outlet.
  • Continued squeezing of the body 100 may force the third toothpaste 232 to flow through the dispensing aperture 350 where it can be dispensed onto a toothbrush, a user’s hand, an applicator device, or the like as desired depending on the particular type of material being dispensed.
  • the outlet (or another portion of the third channel 330 located at the inlet 332 or located between the inlet 332 and the outlet) may be selectively opened and closed to permit and prohibit the third toothpaste 232 from flowing into the dispensing passageway 340. Further details about this opening and closing of a portion of the third channel 330 will be described in more detail below.
  • each of the first, second, and third channels 310, 320, 330 may feed one of the toothpastes 212, 222, 232 in the body 100 into the dispensing passageway 340, which may be a common dispensing passageway.
  • the outlets 13, 323 of the first, second, and third channels 10, 320, 330 may each be fluidly coupled to the dispensing passageway 340.
  • each of the first, second, and third channels 310, 320, 330 may terminate at a discrete or separate dispensing aperture. That is, instead of having a common dispensing passageway 340 and dispensing aperture 350, each of the first, second, and third channels 310, 320, 330 may comprise an outlet opening at a top end of the cap member 300 through which the toothpaste flowing through that particular channel 310, 320, 330 may be dispensed onto a toothbrush or other desired location.
  • the lid 400 is configured to be coupled to at least one of the body 100 and the cap member 300.
  • the lid 400 may be coupled to the body 100 and/or the cap member 300 via a snap-fit, friction fit, screw thread, or other type of engagement.
  • the lid closes the dispensing aperture 350 of the cap member 300 (or the multiple dispensing apertures if more than one dispensing aperture exists such as in the case of the alternative embodiment described above).
  • the lid 400 comprises a closure protuberance 401 that nests within the distal portion of the dispensing passageway 340 to close the dispensing aperture 350.
  • the lid 400 may comprise a sleeve portion 402 that covers the entirety of the cap member 300 when the lid 400 is attached.
  • the lid 400 may be a smaller component which only fits onto a distal part of the cap member 300 to close the dispensing aperture 350.
  • the lid 400 may take on any of a number of different configurations, so long as the lid 400 closes the dispensing aperture 350 to prevent the contents from leaking or drying out.
  • the lid 400 may be omitted in some embodiments, particularly where closure members or barrier members exist which close the channels 310. 320. 330 of the cap member 300 as described below.
  • the toothpaste dispenser 1000 may further comprise a dispensing assembly 500 that controls which of the first, second, and third toothpastes 212, 222, 232 is dispensed from the body 100 in response to a user squeezing/compressing the body 100.
  • the cap member 300 comprises the dispensing assembly 500.
  • the body 100 may comprise the dispensing assembly 500.
  • the dispensing assembly 500 may comprise a plurality of barrier members 510, 520, 530 and an actuation assembly 570, 580, 590.
  • the plurality of barrier members 510, 520, 530 may comprise a first barrier member 510, a second banner member 520, and a third barrier member 530.
  • the actuation assembly may comprise a first actuation mechanism 570, a second actuation mechanism 580, and a third actuation mechanism 590.
  • the first actuation mechanism 570 may be operably coupled to the first barrier member 510 so that actuation of the first actuation mechanism 570 moves the first barrier member 510 between a closed position (shown in FIG. 3) and an open position.
  • the second actuation mechanism 580 may be operably coupled to the second barrier member 520 so that actuation of the second actuation mechanism 580 moves the second barrier member 520 between a closed position (shown in FIG. 3) and an open position.
  • the third actuation mechanism 590 may be operably coupled to the third barrier member 530 so that actuation of the third actuation mechanism 590 moves the third barrier member 530 between a closed position and an open position.
  • the first barrier member 510 may be alterable between a closed position wherein the first barrier member 510 prevents the first toothpaste 212 from flowing to the dispensing passageway 340 and an open position wherein the first barrier member 510 does not prevent or block the first toothpaste 212 from flowing to the dispensing passageway 340.
  • the first barrier member 510 when the first barrier member 510 is in the closed position, the first barrier member 510 extends across a portion of the first channel 310 of the cap member 300 to prevent the first toothpaste 212 from passing through the outlet 313 and entering the dispensing passageway 340.
  • the first barrier member 510 may be altered into the open position whereby the first barrier member 510 no longer extends across the first channel 310 and no longer blocks the first toothpaste 212 from reaching the outlet 313.
  • the first barrier member 510 when the first barrier member 510 is in the closed position, the first barrier member 510 is located at or immediately upstream of the outlet 313.
  • the first barrier member 510 may be located at other positions along the first channel 310, including at the inlet 312 or at some position in between the inlet 312 and the outlet 313.
  • the second barrier member 520 may be located along or within the first channel 110.
  • the first actuation mechanism 570 may comprise a tab or ridge or protuberance or the like which protrudes from an outer surface of the first barrier member 510. This provides a feature which may be gripped or contacted by the user so that the user can alter the first barrier member 510 between the open and closed positions.
  • the first actuation mechanism 570 may be a recess or dimple in the outer surface of the first barrier member 510 in other embodiments.
  • the first actuation mechanism 570 may alternatively comprise a button or the like to facilitate the altering of the first barrier member 510 between the open and closed positions.
  • the second barrier member 520 may be alterable between a closed position wherein the second barrier member 520 prevents the second toothpaste 222 from flowing to the dispensing passageway 340 and an open position wherein the second barrier member 520 does not prevent or block the second toothpaste 222 from flowing to the dispensing passageway 340.
  • the second barrier member 520 when the second barrier member 520 is in the closed position, the second barrier member 520 extends across a portion of the second channel 320 of the cap member 300 to prevent the second toothpaste 222 from passing through the outlet 323 and entering the dispensing passageway 340.
  • the second barrier member 520 may be altered into the open position whereby the second barrier member 520 no longer extends across the second channel 320 and no longer blocks the second toothpaste 222 from reaching the outlet 323.
  • the second barrier member 520 when the second barrier member 520 is in the closed position, the second barrier member 520 is located at or immediately upstream of the outlet 323.
  • the second banner member 520 may be located at other positions along second channel 320, including at the inlet 322 or at some position in between the inlet 322 and the outlet 323.
  • the second barrier member 520 may be located along or within the second channel 120. The point is that the second barrier member 520, when in the closed position, prevents the second toothpaste 222 from passing through the outlet 323 and into the dispensing passageway 340.
  • the second actuation mechanism 580 may comprise a tab or ridge or protuberance or the like which protrudes from an outer surface of the second barrier member 520. This provides a feature which may be gripped or contacted by the user so that the user can alter the second barrier member 520 between the open and closed positions.
  • the second actuation mechanism 580 may be a recess or dimple in the outer surface of the second barrier member 520 in other embodiments.
  • the second actuation mechanism 580 may alternatively comprise a button or the like to facilitate the altering of the second barrier member 520 between the open and closed positions.
  • the third barrier member 530 may be alterable between a closed position wherein the third barrier member 530 prevents the third toothpaste 232 from flowing to the dispensing passageway 340 and an open position wherein the third barrier member 530 does not prevent or block the third toothpaste 232 from flowing to the dispensing passageway 340.
  • the second barrier member 530 when the third barrier member 530 is in the closed position, the second barrier member 530 extends across a portion of the third channel 330 of the cap member 300 to prevent the third toothpaste 232 from passing through the outlet of the third channel 330 and entering the dispensing passageway 340.
  • the third barrier member 530 may be altered into the open position whereby the third barrier member 530 no longer extends across the third channel 330 and no longer blocks the third toothpaste 232 from reaching the outlet of the third channel 330.
  • the third barrier member 530 when the third barrier member 530 is in the closed position, the third barrier member 530 is located at or immediately upstream of the outlet of the third channel 330.
  • the third barrier member 530 may be located at other positions along third channel 330, including at the inlet 332 or at some position in between the inlet 332 and the outlet. In other embodiments, the third barrier member 530 may be located along or within the third channel 130. The point is that the third barrier member 530, when in the closed position, prevents the third toothpaste 232 from passing through the outlet of the third channel 330 and into the dispensing passageway 340.
  • the third actuation mechanism 590 may comprise a tab or ridge or protuberance or the like which protrudes from an outer surface of the third banner member 530. This provides a feature which may be gripped or contacted by the user so that the user can alter the third barrier member 530 between the open and closed positions.
  • the third actuation mechanism 590 may be a recess or dimple in the outer surface of the third barrier member 530 in other embodiments.
  • the third actuation mechanism 590 may alternatively comprise a button or the like to facilitate the altering of the second barrier member 530 between the open and closed positions.
  • Each of the first, second, and third barrier members 510, 520, 530 may be slidable between the open and closed positions. That is, upon a user actuating the actuation mechanism 570, 580, 590 associated with the particular barrier member 510, 520, 530, the barrier member 510, 520, 530 may slide between the open and closed positions. Alternatively, the barrier members 510, 520, 530 may pivot, rotate, translate, or move in other ways between the open and closed positions. Actuating the actuation mechanisms 570, 580, 590 may comprise the user physically gripping the actuation mechanism 570, 580, 590 and sliding the respective barrier member 510, 520, 530.
  • Each of the first, second, and third barrier members 510, 520, 530 may be movable between their open and closed positions independently of one another.
  • the first barrier member 510 may be altered from the closed position into the open position while the second and third barrier members 520, 530 remain in the closed position.
  • the second and third barrier members 520, 530 may be altered into the open position which each of the other two barrier members remain in the closed position.
  • the dispensing assembly 500 may comprise a plurality of biasing members, such as springs, which bias the first, second, and third banner members 510, 520, 530 into the closed position.
  • biasing members such as springs
  • a user may alter the first, second, and third barrier members 510, 520, 530 into the open position by physically manipulating the corresponding one of the first, second, and third actuation mechanisms 570, 580, 590, but upon the user releasing the corresponding actuation mechanism 570, 580, 590, the corresponding first, second, and third barrier member 510, 520, 530 may be biased or forced back into its closed position.
  • this may be achieved by incorporating a spring which forces the first, second, and third barrier members 510, 520, 530 into the closed position. This may help to prevent the user from having two of the barrier members 510, 520, 530 in the open position at the same time. For example, it may not be desirable to mix two of the toothpastes 212, 222, 232 and instead it may be preferable to have only one of the first, second, and third barrier members 510, 520, 530 in the open position at a time. Using the aforementioned biasing members or springs may help to achieve this.
  • more than one of the barrier members 510, 520, 530 may be in the open position at a time if there is no negative result from mixing two of the toothpastes 212, 222, 232 in the dispensing passageway 340 prior to dispensing.
  • the actuation assembly may be configured to alter only one of the first, second, and third barrier members 510, 520, 530 into the open position at a time.
  • the dispensing assembly 500 may be configured to alter the first barrier member 510 into the closed position prior to allowing the user to alter the second barrier member 510 into the open position. This may ensure that only one of the first, second, and third barrier members 510, 520, 530 may be in the open position at a time.
  • the toothpaste dispenser 1000 is illustrated with a user actuating the second actuation mechanism 580 to alter the second barrier member 520 into the open position.
  • the same action can be used on the first or third actuation mechanisms 570. 590 to alter the first and third barrier members 510, 530 into the open position.
  • the user has slid the second actuation mechanism 580 downwardly, which has in turn caused the second barrier member 520 to move/slide/translated downwardly away from the outlet 323 of the second channel 320.
  • the second actuation mechanism 580 slides within a slot 581 formed into the cap member 300. More specifically, the slot 581 comprises an open window portion 583, an upper slot section 584, and a lower slot section 585.
  • the second actuation mechanism 580 may comprise an upper closure portion 586 and a lower closure portion 587, which selectively close the open window portion 583 of the slot 581 depending on the position of the second barrier member 320.
  • the second barrier member 520 closes the outlet 323 of the second channel 320 and the second banner member 520 in conjunction with the lower closure portion 587 closes the open window portion 583 of the slot 581.
  • the second barrier member 520 no longer closes either the outlet 323 or the open window portion 583 of the slot 581.
  • the upper closure portion 586 covers and closes the open window portion 583 of the slot 581.
  • the second barrier member 530 and the upper and lower closure portions 586, 587 may be integrally formed as a singular monolithic component.
  • FIG. 7 illustrates the outlet 323 of the second channel 320 of the cap member 300.
  • the second toothpaste 222 of the second insert 220 located in the second cavity 120 of the body 120 is forced, by pressure, to flow through the outlet 323 of the second channel 320, into the dispensing passageway 340, and ultimately out of the dispenser 1000 through the dispensing aperture 350.
  • FIG. 8 illustrates the second toothpaste 212 being dispensed from the dispensing aperture 350 onto the bristles 610 of a toothbrush 600.
  • the toothpaste dispenser 1000 described herein provides a user with options and choice to select a particular toothpaste for dispensing at any given time.
  • a person may dispense one of the toothpastes in the morning and another at night, or one toothpaste on weekdays and another at night, or any other dispensing sequence that the user desires.
  • the dispenser 1000 permits only one of the toothpastes to be dispensed at any given time, using the barrier members 510, 520, 530 to block the others from being dispensed.
  • the dispenser 1000 may permit the user to decide whether to dispense one of the toothpastes or more than one of the toothpastes at a time.
  • the cap member 300 or the body 100 may comprise indicium or markers or indicators or the like to indicate to the user which toothpaste 212, 222, 232 is located within each cavity 110, 120, 130. Specifically, when the dispenser 1000 is assembled, it may be difficult for a user to know which actuation mechanism 570, 580, 590 to actuate to dispense the desired toothpaste. Thus, there may be some markings or other indicia on the cap member 300 or on the body 100 to visually provide this information to the user. This could be in the form of stickers, displays including LCS displays, e-ink displays, or the like, symbols, or other markings, for example.
  • the toothpaste dispenser 2000 comprises a body 2100, a plurality of inserts 2210, 2220, 2230, and a cap member 2300.
  • the body 2100 is generally identical to the body 100 described above and the plurality of inserts (i.e., the first insert 2210, the second insert 2220, and the third insert 2230) are generally identical to the inserts 210, 220, 230 described above.
  • the body 2100 may comprise a first cavity 2110 in which the first insert 2210 is positioned, a second cavity 2120 in which the second insert 2220 is positioned, and a third cavity 2130 in which the third insert 2230 is positioned.
  • the first cavity 2110 may terminate in a first opening 2111 in a top end of the body 2100
  • the second cavity 2120 may terminate in a second opening 2121 in the top end of the body 2100
  • the third cavity 2130 may terminate in a third opening 2131 in the top end of the body 2100.
  • the main difference between the toothpaste dispenser 2000 and the toothpaste dispenser 1000 relates to the structure and function of the cap member 2300, which differs from the cap member 300 described previously. Another difference is the omission of any dispensing assembly like the barrier members and actuator members of the prior described embodiment.
  • the cap member 2300 comprises a dispensing passageway 2310 that extends from an inlet 2311 located at a bottom of the cap member 2300 to an outlet 2312 which forms a dispensing aperture of the cap member 2300.
  • the cap member 2300 may define a single dispensing passageway 2310 rather than multiple channels as with the prior described embodiment.
  • the cap member 2300 may be rotatable relative to the body 2100 about a rotational axis B-B. Specifically, the cap member 2300 may be rotated about the rotational axis B-B to align the inlet 2311 of the dispensing passageway 2310 with different ones of the cavities 2110, 2120, 2130, and therefore also with different ones of the inserts 2210, 2220, 2230.
  • FIG. 9 illustrates the cap member 2300 in an angular/rotational position whereby the inlet 2311 of the dispensing passageway 2310 is aligned with the first cavity 2110 (i.e., with the first opening 2111 of the first cavity 2110) and therefore also with the first insert 2210.
  • FIG. 10 illustrates member 2300 having been rotated about the rotational axis B-B relative to the position shown in FIG. 9.
  • the inlet 2311 of the dispensing passageway 2310 is aligned with the second cavity 2120 (i.e., with the second opening 2121 of the second cavity 2120) and therefore also with the second insert 2220.
  • a user may squeeze or compress the body 2100 and cause the toothpaste contained within the package of the second insert 2220 to flow into the dispensing passageway 2310 of the cap member 2300 for dispensing through the outlet 2312.
  • the cap member 2300 may also be rotated so that the inlet 2311 of the dispensing passageway 2310 is aligned with the third cavity 2130 (i.e., with the third opening 2131 of the third cavity 2130) and therefore also with the third insert 2230 for purposes of dispensing the toothpaste contained within the package of the third insert 2230.
  • the toothpaste from only one of the inserts 2210, 2220, 2230 is capable of being dispensed through the dispensing aperture 2312 at a time. This is because the cap member 2300 has only one channel which can be aligned with one of the inserts 2210, 2220. 2230 at a time. [0067] The cap member 2300 may also be able to be rotated to a position whereby the dispensing passageway 2310 of the cap member 2300 is not aligned with any of the inserts 2210, 2220, 2230. This may prevent accidental dispensing when such dispensing is not desired.
  • the cap member 2300 may have an indicator 2320 located on its outer surface.
  • the indicator 2320 may be a visual indicator.
  • the indicator is a linear marking, which may be a ridge, a channel, a colored marking, or the like.
  • the indicator 2320 may be located in alignment with the dispensing passageway 2310 to serve as a visual indicator to the user as to the location of the dispensing passageway 2310.
  • the body 2100 may also include markers or indicators which are aligned with each of the cavities 2110, 2120, 2130 to assist the user in properly aligning the dispensing passageway 2310 with a desired one of the cavities 2110, 2120, 2130.
  • the dispenser 2000 may include a lock mechanism on the cap member 2300 or on the body 2100 to lock the cap member 2300 in a particular rotational position.
  • the dispenser 2000 may include a lid which either covers the entire cap member 2300 or just covers/blocks the dispensing aperture 2312.
  • the cap member 2300 may be detachably coupled to the body 2100 to permit replacement of the inserts 2210, 2220, 2230 when they become depleted or as desired to change a flavor or characteristic or for any other desired purpose.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Closures For Containers (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention concerne un distributeur de pâte dentifrice comprenant un corps logeant des premier et second inserts contenant des première et seconde pâtes dentifrices, respectivement, et un élément capuchon qui est accouplé de manière amovible au corps. L'élément capuchon peut avoir des premier et second canaux qui sont conçus pour être alignés avec les première et seconde pâtes dentifrices dans le corps, respectivement. Des premier et second éléments barrières peuvent être réglables entre des positions ouverte et fermée pour permettre et empêcher sélectivement la distribution des première et seconde pâtes dentifrices à partir du corps. Le distributeur peut comprendre un ensemble d'actionnement conçu pour déplacer sélectivement les premier et second éléments barrières entre les positions fermée et ouverte indépendamment l'un de l'autre.
PCT/US2023/076564 2022-11-07 2023-10-11 Distributeur de pâte dentifrice WO2024102553A1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US202263423115P 2022-11-07 2022-11-07
US63/423,115 2022-11-07

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2024102553A1 true WO2024102553A1 (fr) 2024-05-16

Family

ID=88779946

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/US2023/076564 WO2024102553A1 (fr) 2022-11-07 2023-10-11 Distributeur de pâte dentifrice

Country Status (1)

Country Link
WO (1) WO2024102553A1 (fr)

Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB2307674A (en) * 1995-11-30 1997-06-04 Emil Shehadeh Multi-container dispenser
KR20170067435A (ko) * 2015-12-08 2017-06-16 광주여자대학교 산학협력단 조절 가능한 다수의 토출공이 있는 화장품 용기

Patent Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB2307674A (en) * 1995-11-30 1997-06-04 Emil Shehadeh Multi-container dispenser
KR20170067435A (ko) * 2015-12-08 2017-06-16 광주여자대학교 산학협력단 조절 가능한 다수의 토출공이 있는 화장품 용기

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
EP0721306B1 (fr) Brosse
US6505986B1 (en) Applicator systems
US6880725B2 (en) Device for dispensing separately packaged products together
EP0175735B1 (fr) Brosse a dents et distributeur de pate dentifrice combines
US6334449B1 (en) Fluid delivery system
US20200102138A1 (en) Dual dispensing cosmetic container
WO2003070183A2 (fr) Systeme de coloration capillaire autonome pour des retouches, un eclaircissement et moins que la totalite des applications de traitement
US20090052971A1 (en) Delivery system
BR112014020621A2 (pt) dispositivo de dispensação para dispensar um produto líquido
CA2310470C (fr) Applicateurs de fluide
US4776494A (en) Unit dose dispensing collapsible tube adapted to dispense a viscious liquid therefrom
CA2310441C (fr) Systeme de distribution de fluide
WO2024102553A1 (fr) Distributeur de pâte dentifrice
EP1032286B1 (fr) Systemes applicateurs
US5873490A (en) Flowable substance dispenser
JP2004099175A (ja) カートリッジ式注出容器
US9185959B2 (en) Liquid applicator
TW202348166A (zh) 用於容器的塗抹器
US20040163663A1 (en) Lipstick breath freshener dispensers
EP3073860B1 (fr) Distributeur de produit de soins buccaux et système de soins buccaux
WO2024102549A1 (fr) Distributeur de dentifrice
US20220265020A1 (en) Dispenser, comb, housing and method of using the dispenser
AU2002300056B2 (en) Fluid delivery system
EP1030573A1 (fr) Applicateurs
JP2509193Y2 (ja) 化粧用パレット

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
121 Ep: the epo has been informed by wipo that ep was designated in this application

Ref document number: 23805344

Country of ref document: EP

Kind code of ref document: A1